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But the body said that the increased number being released at events such as weddings during the summer leads to an increased risk of starting fires.

The LGA’s Jeremy Hilton said: ‘The potential for sky lanterns to endanger people’s safety, their property and their livelihoods is considerable’

‘Fire authorities across the country are united in calling for people to think twice before releasing what is essentially a ball of fire.

‘At this time of the year fields are full of tinder dry haystacks, more people’s homes are empty as they are away on holiday, and wildlife is in abundance.

Animals have died and scores more left seriously injured after chewing on the wire frames of the lanterns, which are carried into the air by hot air generated by burning fuel

‘Unfortunately it is also exactly the same time of year that weddings, outdoor parties, festivals and barbeques are at their height, which is why we are asking event organisers and anyone celebrating to resist the temptation to release sky lanterns.’

The dangers associated with Chinese lanterns have already led to 25 councils in England banning their release on council-owned land.

A huge fire was started when a lantern landed amongst 100,000 tonnes of recycling material in Smethwick, West Midlands, in 2013.

The blaze, which took three days to extinguish, cost £6million to put out as 200 firefighters were called to tackle it and surrounding businesses and a school were closed.